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September 19, 2006

By Ryan Macalua
Photos: Big Joe Miranda

Chaos surrounded the Beverly Hills Hotel in L.A. California as super featherweight superstars Erik Morales (48-4, 34 KOs) and Manny Pacquiao (42-3-2, 33 KOs) met in advance of their third fight on November 18 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. Both fighters wasted no time as they arrived around the same time with both looking very fit.

Morales, who looked particularly slim and fit, arrived with his new Velocity training team which included four trainers and a world rennown nutrionist. "I call you to give me an opportunity," said El Terrible. "Today I will tell you to believe in me. Since I was 23 years old, this is the first time that I am going to be training in great shape."

"When I'm not in front of them, they are saying that they're going to knock me out and that they are going to retire me. I will say to them in their face that the only thing I need to worry about is to come in great condition and make weight. Then we will celebrate on November 18!"

Pacquiao who was bombarded with questions about retirement, a rematch with Barrera, and managerial issues, was calm and relaxed as he approached the podium.

"I have nothing to say about Morales," said the Pacman. "I know he's in great shape right now. I know he will make weight on November 18th and I know he will be in 100 percent condition. It's going to be a great fight! I will try my best to give you guys a good fight and bring a victory to my country!"

Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach commented, "This will be a big fight for everyone. I know Morales wants revenge and Manny has his whole country behind him. We are going to work really hard for this fight."

In regard to 'The Grand Finale,' promoter Bob Arum stated "Tickets to date have been absolutely phenomenal! This fight is headed for sellout and we expect there will be 16,000 people!"

Tickets priced at $50, $100, $200, $300 and $500 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The pay-per view telecast has a suggested retail price of $49.95 and will be distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View.